Firstly I would like to take this opportunity to congraulate all umpires for the performances they have put in thus far during the 2006 BDAFL Finals Series.
I would especially like to congratulate two umpires from the Central Coast Juniors ranks. They are Marc Trialonas (Boundary Umpire) and Wayne Farrand (Goal Umpire). These two guys have come from the Junior ranks and progressed to where they are today, doing Finals football in the Black Diamond AFL.
An update on their perofmances, Marc has umpired in the First Semi (First Division), Second Semi (Black Dimaond Cup) and Preliminary Finals (Under 18's) and Wayne has umpired in the Second Semi (First Division) and Preliminary Final (Under 18's).
On behalf of your conlleagues we congratulate both these guys for their great efforts which have seen them progress through the season to where they are today. And who knows they may get a run in the Grand Final?
As the season winds down a couple of things to remember.
1. Training
No training on Monday 4 September 2006, as the Association and its members will be attending the Elliott Davey medal night at Newcastle Panthers. Training on Wednesday 6 September 2006 will be alight run followed by the Grand Final Appointments being handed out at the Wickham Park Hotel.
For those not going to the Elliott Davey medal, it is anticipated that you have a light run on Monday night. Roger Crowhurst can help you plan your session.
2. Outstanding Monies
At the Committee meeting last week it was resolved that all members need to have any further outstanding monies in to the Treasurer by Wednesday 6 September 2006 to be eligible for a Grand Final appointment. The Treasurer will be at training on Wednesday 6 September 2006. If you owe money for uniforms purchased in the last 4 weeks or for Elliott Davey medal night or for the use of the trainer, I would encourage you to give any monies to the Treasurer ASAP.
3. Trainers
On the issue of trainers, I was very disappointed at the poor response from ALL the boundary and some field umpires on the Second Semi Final weekend in not taking up the offer of using the trainer provided for a rub down.
Umpires complain about what the Committee and Association does for them. Well this is an example of the Committee trying hard to look after its members and make decisions in the best interest of umpires. The use of a trainer during the finals series was seen as a prudent decision to make sure umpires were at their optimum physical condition for their appropriate finals match.
The part that disappoints me is the Committee was not asking much in return. $10 for a rub is by far and away a good deal that you will not find anywhere else. Most sports medicine people charge a hell of a lot more. The Committee are currently discussing what options we are going to take over the next two weeks as the Association heavily subsidised having a trainer at the match last week.
In closing on this issue, I would indicate that if the Committee continued to use a Trainer over the Finals series, it is expected that all running umpires would use the service provided by the Association.
Watch this space for more details.
4. Dummy Spits
Ah yes my favourite topic this time of the year. Already some umpires are unhappy with what has happened thus far. As everybody would be aware there are limited spots for appointments during the finals series.
So if you do not get a game this week (BDAFL Grand Final) or didn't get a game over the final series then maybe you need to consider why you haven't achieved an appointment. What were your goals that you set at the beginning of the season? Have you umpired at you potential? Have you shown leadership? Have you trained hard all season? Have you been attending training regularly? How have you performed on and off the field? Have you taken on board and implemented feedback (written or oral) from the coach or other senior umpires?
Whilst some people like to point the finger at this time of the year, I think it is necessary for some self reflection and soul searching for those who feel aggrieved and disappointed. Playing the blame game and trying to find scape goats for not getting an appointment over the final series does nothing for a persons character and certainly alienates that person from the rest of the group. And remember the Committee fully supports the Appointments made by the Appointments Committee which consists of Grant Godfrey, John McMahon and John Sullivan.
I would indicate that if you have a problem that you have a personal talk to the coach or some of the senior umpires. Re-evaluate your goals and start focusing your efforts for next year.
As a final note just remember that we are a small group and those who do get games should be congratulated, encouraged and supported by their colleagues over the next couple of weeks. I would personally like to see all umpires attending the next weekends matches, be involved in training and take part in the upcoming social events of the Association. Support your fellow Umpires..!!!
Again the question comes to mind for those who want to be an individual in umpiring, "Why am I umpiring? What do I want to achieve out of Umpiring?"
On that note I hope to see you all during the next couple of weeks taking an active role in YOUR ASSOCIATION.
Darrel Luck
President, NCCUA
Last Modified on 28/10/2006 19:52